Since the weather has gotten cold up here in New England I have noticed that my transmission does not go into overdrive for some time. As I get to crussing speed on the highway (70), the engine revs around 3K. after about 5-10 minutes of driving she drops to around 2.5K rpm. Anyone out there has seen this problem. Yes I know I should go to the dealer but before I waste a whole lot of time with them I figured I ask and see if anyone else has seen this issue and if there is a fix for it. By the way I have a 2002 XE 4x4.
Thanks

this is not a problem that you can really fix. This is common with a lot of automatic transmissions. The transmission needs the ATF fluid at a certain operating temperature and pressure before it can function properly. Since your converter is always engaged your generating a lot of heat - after you drive a while the extra heat generated is enough for it to start operating properly and it disengages and your rpm's drop.

Agreed, the fluid has to reach a certain temp before the lockup will engage. Perfectly normal.
We have a 92 Civic, our in-laws have a 95. Both reach the proper temp within 50 yards of a certain point on the road after leaving their house. It's uncanny how consistent it is.

Brent

yup they are absolutely correct.....what i found is that if you warm your car up for a little bit or drive in the city for a few minutes then get onto the freeway then it will go into overdrive....it's just the way it works

A lot of new transmissions are programmed that way too in order to heat up the cats faster. Usually they will hold 1st gear longer than normal when you first get going; don't know if the Xterra does that too.

Thanks for the answers guys, I guess I won't be worrying about that anymore.